The government banned the import of foreign drones with specific exceptions to promote the local manufacturing of drones in the country. The import of drones for R&D, defence and security purposes have been exempted from the ban, but such imports will have to take approval. However, the import of drone parts will not require any approvals, the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Commerce and Industry Ministry has issued a notice regarding banning the import of foreign drones. “Import policy for drones in CBU (Completely Built-Up)/CKD (Completely Knocked Down)/SKD (Semi Knocked Down) form is restricted with certain exceptions given for R&D, defence and security purposes,” DGFT said.

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Import of drones by government entities, educational institutions known by Central or State government, R&D entities and drone manufacturers for R&D goals will be allowed in CBU, SKD or CKD form. Import of drones for defence and security purposes in CBU, SKD or CKD form after being authorised by DGFT in consultation with concerned line ministries. The Civil Aviation Ministry said that to promote Made in India drones, the import of foreign drones has been banned from 9th February 2022.